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Buying Checklist

What to look for in a property.

When you're thinking of buying, your requirements will vary depending on your personal circumstances and on the sort of property you wish to buy.

You may be looking for a family home, a "lifestyle or coastal" property or a holiday home. Once you have found the property of your dreams, LJ Hooker Pinnacle | Hamilton provides you with this list to pause for a while and reflect before making an offer or signing on the dotted line.

Consider the following checklist:

Before you decide on anything do you have your loan approved?

Will you enjoy living in the neighbourhood?

Is the house sound? If you have any doubts at all, hire a building inspector to check.

Is it in an area likely to hold resale value or benefit from capital growth?

Are there any long-term costs or issues such as body corporate fees, jointly owned driveways?

What type of Title is the property? Ask your solicitor to advise on the Title.

Does the entire house, including alterations, have the required Council permits?

Is it built for the climate? Is it insulated? Will it be warm in winter, cool in summer?

Have you asked your local council about planning issues like the possibility of any big developments planned or construction of new roads nearby?

If big changes are needed to make the property comfortable, then it's a good idea to know the costs before you make an offer.

Is the house and land suitable for your stage in life - are there too many stairs, is the garden too steep?

Then think about the detail:

Does the house have enough bedrooms?

Are you happy with the garden - or its potential?

Will you have good access to the facilities you need such as schools, doctor, medical centres and shops?

Are there enough bathrooms?

Is there enough garage space? Is the garage accessible from inside the house?

Will you have problems with traffic or noise?

Is the kitchen serviceable?

Is it safe for your family, eg children, the elderly or disabled?

Is it suitable for pets?

Are you happy with the building's security?

Check under the house - is it dry?

Is the block well drained?

For "lifestyle or coastal" properties or holiday properties:

Many of these questions will be the same as above but if you are buying in a rural or coastal area, you may wish to consider other practical issues, such as:

Is there a good water supply?

Is there any risk of flooding or erosion?

How much maintenance work will you need to do - or pay someone else to do?

Are you likely to be bothered by nearby farming or orchard work?

Are there any industries in the area that could affect you?

Will you still have easy access to your family, friends, work and recreation?